Women of Faith Loved 2015

On Monday, I shared some snarky things I learned at Women of Faith in Columbus, but today I wanted to share the “real” experience. As I mentioned Monday, I was not excited to go to Women of Faith. I was not sure what to expect – I thought it would be hours upon hours of “Bible-banging” and preaching. It wasn’t. I am so glad I was about to go and can’t wait until next year’s conference!

Its amazing that thousands of women can get together like that for one purpose – worshiping God. As Christians and women, we tend to think we are the “only ones”. We often don’t look beyond our friends or congregation into the bigger world of faith. But, spend a weekend at Women of Faith and I promise you that you will laugh, you will cry, you will worship, and you will be amazed.

Nationwide Arena prior to WOF starting. It would be almost packed by show time.Sheila Walsh

Sheila taught us to believe and to not give up our dreams, even if they have been postponed for “real” life. It’s not too late to dream again and to make those dreams a reality.

“Unless there is a chalk mark around your body, it’s not too late!” – Sheila Walsh

Korie’s daughter Sadie also stopped by… and shared her words to live by.

“Be original.” – Sadie Robertson

Anna Trent and Mary Graham discussing WOF’s future.Patsy Clairmont showing us how to be brave.

One of the best segments was Patsy’s segment about being brave. She told a story about a mouse that came into her bedroom late one night and she was scared. “It looked me in the eye, and I thought that was incredibly rude.” Her story goes on to tell how the mouse found her secret chocolate stash and was living in her suitcase!

“Don’t avoid the thing you aren’t good at or you will never change.” – Patsy Clairmont

Thelma Wells, or Mama T’s segment on having faith.

We were also privileged to be able to hear Mama T’s granddaughter sing Jesus Loves Me beautifully! The audience joined in… have you ever heard thousands of women sing Jesus Loves Me? It brings goosebumps.

“God might not come when you want him, but he is right on time!” – Mama T

We also got to hear Building 429 sing several of their songs on stage!

Jason Roy, lead singer of Building 429

The best part of the Building 429 concert was when Jason was able to get all the women on their feet, pretending we were driving down the coast with the wind in our hair in the “sweetest” convertible. We all were leanin’ and steering while he sang.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get any pictures of Marilyn Meberg, but she spoke about staying “connected” and told a hilarious story about being stuck on a zip line during a cruise excursion.

“If you don’t act on what you believe in, there is no use in believe it.” – Marilyn Meberg

Luci Swindoll

One of the best speakers (they were all amazing!) was Luci Swindoll. Of course, she was “my kind of lady” – coming into Born to Be Wild blasting over the sound system and cruising in her scooter decked out like a chopper!

She is one of the most hilarious women I have heard speak. She shared stories with us of how she taught her brother, Charles Swindoll, how to smoke and how she got her first book deal, and about a lonely woman named Bernadette Apes who happens to live at Marilyn’s address. She also shared how she had made a list when she was twelve of all the things she wanted to do – from being a famous singer to traveling the world – and has done all of them.

“Lord, to the degree I don’t want to do this: Bless me.” – Luci Swindoll

The best part of Luci’s segment was when Mary Graham told her to not say any bad words – to which Luci replied, “Why the hell would I do that?”

She is one of those women I wish I could have lunch with just to hear her stories.

The Final Farewell – the last time these wonderful and amazing women will be on stage together.

I am honored that I was able to experience these wonderful women speak and hear Sandi Patty and her family sing. (Why didn’t I take pictures?!) But, if you hadn’t heard, this is the last tour that these beautiful and inspirational women will be onstage together. They are passing the reins to the next generation. I am excited to see what the future brings.

While the following quote from Sheila Walsh isn’t from the Women of Faith conference in Columbus, I felt that it sums up the weekend…

“You are loved, you are beautiful, you are treasured, and you are a daughter of the living God.” – Sheila Walsh